Develop/Validate Pre-employment Physical Fitness Assessments

The purpose of this amendment 3 is to provide questions and answers and extend the deadline for receipt of proposals to 17 August 2009 by 5:00 pm EST. Question: Page 3, Task 1, first paragraph, sixth line - are the special teams referenced in this statement voluntary assignments that agents/officers apply for or can an agent/officer be assigned as a part of their regular duties? Answer: Some of the special teams are extra duties that an incumbent can be assigned to perform without special pay incentives (e.g., bike patrol). Other special teams, such as Hammer, Counter Sniper, Protective Divisions), are filled through a vacancy announcement. In the case of Hammer and Counter Sniper, tech pay is associated with performing these duties. Question: Page 3, Task 1, first paragraph, eighth line, could you clarify 'The Contractor shall collect data on audio or visual requirements of both occupations.' Specifically, what is meant by audio or visual requirements? Answer: Auditory and visual requirements Question: Who will coordinate the focus group meetings? Answer: The USSS will arrange for all focus group participant attendance, however the Contractor will be responsible for facilitating the focus groups including providing all relevant material. Question: Since the Service has already updated the job analysis of both positions, are you wanting a new job analysis? Or a more detailed job task analysis of the positions? Answer: The current job analysis study does not explore the physiological aspects of the positions. A more targeted approach will be necessary to glean the information necessary for this assessment development initiative. Question: Can various meetings with SME's, IPR, interviews, etc. be conducted by telephone or video conferencing if necessary? Answer: If appropriate some meetings may be conducted via telephone, however it will be necessary to have some in-person meetings as well. Question: May we use current Pre-employment Physical Fitness models within the industry to base our recommendations and measurements? Answer: Other than specific requirements outlined in the SOW, the government is not limiting how proposals are designed. Question: Does each field office have the same physical fitness training facilities? Answer: The Secret Service's training facility is in Beltsville, Maryland. The field offices have trained fitness coordinators to assist with interim physical fitness initiatives. Question: Are we limited to the current physical fitness training facilities for the development of the fitness requirements? Answer: It is preferred that the contractor utilizes the JJRTC, however other options would be considered. Question: Will we have the opportunity to see the training facility at each field office? Answer: See previous response. Question: We intend to have our administrative staff assist with data entry, taking meeting minutes, etc. Shall we also include their resumes within the proposal? Are they also subject to the background checks? Answer: Yes, we will need the resumes of all personnel assigned to complete work tasks on this initiative. Question: Does the government pay for the background check of personnel? Or does the contractor pay? Answer: The background check is completed by the USSS. Contractor does not pay for this.